- Justice Department charges nearly 80 defendants in COVID loan fraud cases
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry featured in SNL UK sketch after UK move
- Iran and Israel derail US peace deal amid MOSSAD naval attacks
- Mount Etna erupts, releasing ash two and a half miles into sky and prompting travel disruptions
- France to ban trade in products from Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank
- European Parliament pushes for stricter energy project deadlines
- Iran-Gulf Talks Postponed Amidst Rising Oil Prices and Houthi Attacks
- One dead and 25 missing after migrant boat sinks off Greek island
USA News
The Justice Department has announced a crackdown on COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program fraud, resulting in charges against over 160 defendants and approximately $245 million in intended losses. The initiative, dubbed “Heartland fraud surge,” involved 44 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and targeted fabricated businesses and identity theft schemes.
Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl pitched their services to Ammon Covino, seeking $300,000 to secure a pardon for him. Covino, a convicted felon, had previously submitted a pardon request, which was rejected by Donald Trump. Their meeting was secretly recorded as part of a CBS News investigation into pardon brokers.
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed highlighted concerns over artificial intelligence during an interview, advocating for public oversight to ensure technological development prioritises the common good. He proposed establishing public trust organisations for AI companies, aiming to incorporate safety measures in response to recent industry tensions.
Far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Louisiana, facing a final order of removal for overstaying his visa. Detained after reportedly attending a concert, he was issued the removal order on 22 July following his failure to attend an immigration hearing.
Marine One experienced communication issues with air traffic controllers for the second time in August during its departure from Washington, D.C. The FAA confirmed contact was eventually established, following earlier reports from the NTSB that noted similar failures, prompting concerns over communication interference in the area.
A US District Judge has permanently barred the Trump administration from enforcing rules against Anthropic, citing unconstitutional punishment for protected speech. The ruling ends a legal battle over the AI company’s push to prevent military use of its model Claude for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has awarded a $16.7 million no-bid contract to Compliant Technologies LLC for 6,000 electric shock gloves, intended to aid in controlling resisting detainees. The G.L.O.V.E. devices require direct contact to activate and are designed for lower-impact interventions during law enforcement actions.
President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” following his earlier statements on social media. The order instructs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to update federal records, although it cannot impose this name change internationally. Canada has yet to respond.
Three employees of the U.S. Secret Service, including Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi, have been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into potential misconduct. The employees have lost their security clearances and access to work devices as the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility conducts the inquiry.
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